Making // plans for a two-week cross-country road trip with Dad for August, and I am SO EXCITED. One of my goals for this year was to visit two new states, and this trip will cross five off of my list!

Pondering // all the incredible conversations I've had in the last week with friends and family, and trying to get everything written down before I forget. So much verbal processing happened and that's not my norm, but it opened my eyes and heart to SO MANY NEW THINGS and I'm so grateful.

Watching // Friday Night Lights on Netflix all over again from the beginning. Because Texas Forever. Clear eyes, full heart, can't lose.

Hoping // this Sunday's Color Me Mad 5K is as fun as they seem to be! Let's hope my knee holds out okay and I make it through the finish line without having to crawl!

Marveling // at the simple beauty of hydrangeas (thanks, TJ!)

Needing // to get back into my morning yoga routine...my muscles hurt and it's not going to be pretty.

Sorting // through my closet, getting rid of things that aren't my style any more or that don't fit or that I don't love...because I'm learning that I'm an over-buyer and I want to try to simplify even though it isn't my nature.

Buying // a curling wand! When we were in Texas, we took new head shots, and a new friend kindly took pity on my mess of hair and curled it...I was sold instantly. So quick! So beautiful!

Getting // TONS AND TONS of bug bites already this summer...so I finally bought essential oils that are good for repelling those little guys so I can hopefully not get eaten alive anymore!

Opening // a new journal is like opening a door to a whole new world. That first crack of the spine, the sweet smell of new paper, the blank space just waiting to be filled...it's an experience and I love it.

Feeling // heartbroken by the Charleston shooting and devastated by the loss of nine beautiful lives. It's easier to try to tune out the news and avoid reading the articles about the tragic current events in the world around me, but this time, I didn't let myself do that. I read the articles. I watched the news. I read the tweets and the posts and the commentaries. I wept. Really and truly, I cried like I haven't cried in a long time, praying out loud to a God I know is weeping too at such a loss. May I love like Jesus-- regardless of any color, any sin, any lifestyle, any culture, or any difference at al. May I be aware of and broken by injustice, by violence, by cruelty, by racism, by prejudice, by slavery, by all that is wrong in our world. May I never stay silent when the Lord is calling me to speak, may I never turn away and pretend I don't see, may I never feign ignorance. May Your kingdom come. May Your peace comfort. May Your love heal. May Your people be Your hands and feet. May Your light shine in darkness.

Every now and then, I find that there are so many things I just want everyone to know about and love like I do. I've shared posts like this before and they're always one of my favorites, and it's been a while since the last one!

So, let's go (roughly) clockwise around this picture starting at the top and check out what I'm loving lately!

Fresh flowers -- because I'm a big believer in always having flowers on the table or in my room. Life is better that way. I could do without the ants that are OBSESSED with living on these peonies though...

Essential oils -- yep, I jumped on the bandwagon. (edited in 2019 to add — these cheap oils were exactly that… cheap. I’ve since purchased Young Living oils and will never go back.)

Necklaces with the letter "R" -- because although I hate monograms, I love my initials! One family I babysit for gave me the gorgeous Kate Spade circle necklace with the "R" engraved, and I absolutely love it. The other one I picked up recently at Quirk Gallery downtown during First Fridays and it's been a daily favorite.

Sparkling water -- because as a girl who doesn't drink soda and tries to avoid super sugary juice (but still loves it), this is a good substitute. I found raspberry lime flavor and it has the best hint of flavor with all the fun of bubbly carbonation. It's a nice mix-up from my usual big mason jar of ice water!

My new index card quote organization system -- I ALWAYS underline and highlight quotes in books I love, and never remember them after the fact. I found myself constantly wishing I could just command+F through my bookshelf to find quotes to add to blog posts or my journals, and this is the next best thing! I got these little index card cases with dividers at Target, made some more dividers with index cards and sticky tabs, and wrote key words on them all. I've been going through my bookshelf, writing down quotes, and filing them under key words, and I think it will be great resource! Plus, I just love writing on index cards for some reason.

Homegrown kale from our backyard garden -- because everything tastes better when you know just where it came from and just whose hands touched it before yours. We built two huge gardens (with a fence around to keep the critters out, HAHA squirrels!) and have already been enjoying SO MANY greens, with so many other veggies coming soon!

This to-do list -- because it's Rifle Paper Company (and they can do no wrong) and it was the sweetest birthday gift from a dear friend! I love making lists, and they're even better when they're on cute paper.

#100daysofRADpages -- because forcing myself to put pen to paper in some way every day for these 100 days has been a really fun challenge. Find them all every day on Instagram!

This popcorn -- because YUM. I love popcorn of all kinds, and these Boom Chicka Bites called "Sweet & Salty Nut" are the best Cracker Jack-ish treat! They have cashews, almonds and peanuts in clusters with the best ancient grain popcorn, and they're addicting. I won't say I ate them all in one day...but I might have.

This shampoo and conditioner -- because 1. it's at Target (the best store), 2. it's sulfate and paraben-free (good stuff, even though I'm not 100% sure what that means), 3. each bottle bought provides a month's supply of clean water to a community in need (COME ON, that's awesome), 4. it smells heavenly and wonderful, 5. it makes my hair feel awesome. SO MANY WINS.

Maybe we're friends in real life, or maybe we've never met, and maybe this is your very first time on my little corner of the Internet! One of my favorite things to find on bloggers' sites is lists of things you never knew about them, and I decided it was a fine time to share one of my own as a way of celebrating my birthday (YAY)!

Enjoy these (very random) facts that you probably never knew about me...

I was born in Maryland and lived there for five years before becoming an Arizona girl! I will always call AZ home, though, because when you live somewhere from kindergarten through high school, it undeniably becomes home. I firmly believe the West Coast is the best coast.

I've never broken a bone, but I have had 4 major knee surgeries, my appendix taken out (in Costa Rica on a mission trip...it's one of my most exciting stories to tell at parties) and my wisdom teeth out (with no funny video footage--bummer).

When I was little, I was obsessed with creating families and writing stories about them. I would make whole profiles of each person with all of their favorite things and likes/dislikes, and then would write little stories about them all. I guess I've always had writing in my blood...

I'm a hardcore introvert (INFJ through and through) but people who first meet me never think I'm introverted! I guess I fake it well when necessary!

My eyes are green, my birthstone is emerald, and my favorite color is green. I loved that Pantone's color of the year for 2014 was emerald-- it was everywhere and it was awesome! I use that exact shade in my logo and around my website.

I don't like chocolate (never really have and especially not now that I'm vegan and can't eat a lot of it) but I LOVE fruity candy-- orange is my favorite flavor by FAR. Sour Patch Kids, Nerds, Skittles, Sweetarts, Sprees...it's my weakness. I would almost always choose candy over baked goods or any other kind of dessert, except maybe fro-yo (fruity sorbet topped with berries and nerds is my go-to)!

My eyesight is technically perfect according to my eye doctor, but since I get awful headaches and migraines like ALL THE TIME, I wear glasses when I read or look at my computer screen! It makes a huge difference. Plus, I feel cooler and more studious when I wear them, so it's really a win-win.

I watched the documentary Food, Inc. when I was a senior in high school, and I quit eating all meat cold turkey (pun totally intended) right after! I've been a vegetarian now since June 5, 2010. The beginning of my last year at JMU, I got really sick for a few weeks after coming back from a summer in London, and after seeing my doctor, realized I was allergic to wheat. Thanks to my body being super weird, I also couldn't handle eating any dairy anymore, so out of nowhere I became gluten-free and vegan in one fell swoop! I do cheat occasionally and eat some seafood and eggs, but overall I love it even though it makes life way more complicated.

I've traveled to Mexico, Canada, France, Costa Rica, England and Scotland-- I can't wait to see which country I get to go to next.

One of my favorite childhood travel experiences was a six-week sabbatical road trip my family took the summer before I went into 7th grade. We left from Arizona (with our mini-van packed to the brim with everything we would need for the whole summer) and journeyed up through California, into Oregon, to Washington where we embarked on a week-long Alaskan cruise, then up into Canada, and then back down through Montana, Wyoming, the corner of Idaho, Utah, Four Corners, then back home to AZ. We hit quite a few National Parks and many other incredible sights along the way, and I'm so glad it was before we had cell phones or iPods or DVDs in our car to distract us-- it was a trip of a lifetime and I'll never forget it!

My family has a miniature schnauzer that I named Uli (after a German woman on Project Runway the summer that we got her)-- she's adorable.

I was on the newspaper staff in high school, and was co-editor in chief my senior year. We redesigned the paper into a newsmagazine that won some awards-- I loved that class and being part of all of it.

We didn't have cable until I was in high school. I joke that I was a super sheltered kid (I mean, I only watched Arthur and ZOOM, and my boy band of choice was Plus One because I had no clue who the Backstreet Boys or NSYNC were...) but I'm so grateful for it in hindsight.

I could never do a cartwheel or a handstand or the splits, and always wanted to be able to. Maybe someday...

I've never seen the Harry Potter movies. I know, I know. Everyone I tell freaks out. It's just one of those things, though. Just not interested.

I HATED living in VA the first few years I was here (also because high school was hellish, but that's a whole different story) but I have completely fallen in love with Richmond since moving back after graduation. I love this River City.

My favorite sport is hockey, by far. I went to quite a few Phoenix Coyotes games growing up, but became a huge Washington Capitals fan in high school thanks to my then-boyfriend who was an avid hockey player and fan. I'm loving that we're in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs-- let's go Caps!

I have two tattoos-- an arrow on the side of my foot and this one I designed on my left forearm.

My love languages are gift-giving and words of affirmation (yep, they're tied for first) and then everything else is much much lower. Physical touch is my lowest by far-- not a fan of hugs over here. No thank you!

Anything we have in common? Anything you think is super weird or cool or interesting? I would love to hear from you in the comments :) Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a birthday to celebrate!

Grab your favorite hot drink, wrap the biggest and best blanket you own around your legs, and take a little break in your busy day to check out all the things I'm loving from all around the internet this week!

These chocolate chip chickpea blondies // made these this week and was so pleasantly surprised by how delicious they are considering they are made with two cans of chickpeas. I don't think a healthier blondie could exist honestly. But YUM.

My current on-repeat playlist. // this is the kind of worship music that makes me turn the volume up and dance around my room wildly and freely and wonderfully.

The Letter Link-Up from Mr. Thomas & Me. // you know I love writing letters, and you know I love any idea Amber has, so you know her new link-up is my new favorite thing.

Glittery goodness and a GREAT organization? I'm sold. I want basically every single thing in the 31bits new holiday collection!

Soul Desire : This sermon series at Hope is rocking my world in the best way. I can't stop thinking about it and it's changing everything about how I live on the day to day. So good.

How to be "less busy" // This girl can put words to the best and most beautiful parts of life. This one made me smile and made me cry, and I want everyone to read it.

An art show in the open concourse of my church, with poetry on the walls surrounded by images that brought words to life in a perfect, simple, elegant marriage. A friend standing in front of the crowd, reading her words, sharing her heart, unraveling the story of a summer in her life in a mesmerizing way. Another friend beside her on a park bench, magic coming from each note of her cello in an enchanting way. It made me think this: To see art will move you, but to hear the heart of the artist and the story it all will absolutely captivate you. Thankful for that night.

A goal in the last 14 seconds of overtime to bring the W home for my Caps. Cheering wildly with thousands of my fellow fans in a crowded Verizon Center full of people rocking the red.

Apple picking at Carter Mountain with my best friends/small group from JMU...I love when traditions continue even though we are all living in different places these days. The best.

The new CAUSEBOX from Sevenly-- I am all about supporting organizations that give back and are working for social good...and getting a box full of awesome products every few months is AWESOME.

I just registered for the #fireworkpeople Masterclass and am SO excited about it. "The #fireworkpeople masterclass is a live, five-month journey that will help you live the life you’re hungry for, say yes to the fire in your soul, blow up all that is holding you back, and live out your epic-sized purpose to change the world." Yes. So much yes.

JOHNNYSWIM came out with a Christmas album and I all of a sudden became that girl listening to Christmas music in November. Not sorry.

"Farther Along" (a song I'm already in love with) with an INCREDIBLE rap in the middle? Yep, I'm all about it. The HOPE worship arts team is out of this world.

How cool it was to share two Story Seeker posts back-to-back about marriage...one from a couple just celebrating their 1st anniversary and the other from a couple celebrating 50 years together. I love their love and their stories.

Remember the first time I did this list? I loved it so much, it's sticking around. Sometimes, on Fridays, you just need to dive in to a big list of verbs and make sense of the crazy of life in little bites. Here it is!

Making | lots of to-do lists. I have four pages of them at the moments. Yikes.

Cooking | tacos that are pretty much identical to my regular order at Don't Look Back (TVP, traditional style on corn tortillas)...so good, people. So good.

Drinking | Breakfast Blend from a k-cup, because if it's in the work kitchen, I'm going to drink it. Multiple cups of it. All day long.

Playing | more Pictionary in the last two weeks than ever in my life. I've learned I'm much better at guessing than drawing!

Deciding | to choose joy in every circumstance. (Easier said than done.)

Wishing | I had funds to fuel a worldwide adventure. The wanderlust bug has gotten me good this summer!

Enjoying | the little things, the last minute plans, the late nights, the busy calendar

Waiting | on the world to change (shout out to John Mayer) and praying with everything in me for peace to flood the globe and love to heal every hurt and wound.

Liking | dark navy nailpolish. After School Boy Blazer by Essie is my current favorite.

Wondering | how it's possible that there have new been two 1787 weeks at JMU since I left. I miss that buzz of insane school spirit those first few weeks a new class of Dukes is on campus...enjoy the next four (or three if you're like me) years of your lives, class of 2018! (I'm old...)

Loving | this new soy (vegan and gluten-free!) "chorizo" from Trader Joe's...oh my yum. It has changed my life this week and I'll never be the same.

Pondering | what life would be like if I just packed up and moved to another country...I'm praying and dreaming big about what adventures the Lord might have in store for me!

Hoping | for a cooler weather weekend so I can go on Richmond adventures. I'm feeling like just wandering this city on foot and taking pictures of anything and everything I find.

Marveling | at the massive, relentless, undeserved and shocking gift of sweet amazing grace. I spent one evening this week just listening to this version and journaling the lyrics and letting it all flood over me. I would strongly encourage you to read the words and really let them sink in to your soul.

Wearing | the best and softest purple skinny jeans I got in London when I studied abroad-- they're my favorite.

Following | lots of new incredibly passionate and creative women thanks to The Yellow Conference-- cannot wait to meet you all next week and spend a few days together!

Noticing | that the more I write, the happier I am. The opposite is also true. Dedicating time to pour my thoughts out on paper is so necessary, but it's always the first thing I sacrifice when my days fill up.

Thinking | of new blog post ideas...do you have any? Want to try your hand at writing? The Rising would love to hear from you!

Admiring | writers like Sarah Bessey and Ann Voskamp who put words to the hard, messy, heart-wrenching things of life.

Sorting | through my closet and finally getting rid of things I never wear. I'm on a mission to be more intentional and conscientious about the clothes I buy and brands I support, and that starts with making room in my current wardrobe!

Buying | a subscription to Darling Magazine has me checking my little mailbox every day

Feeling | full of anticipation for what God has in store for me next. New adventures, new places, new opportunities, new mercy. Thankful.

Happy Friday, sweet friends! Fall in love with the world around you this weekend. It's a beautiful one even in the midst of tragedy, disease, injustice and brokenness. Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. Make a difference. Be a ray of light in the darkness.

This Friday, I'm borrowing a list from a blogger I discovered this week and sharing all sorts of fun little tidbits about life in my world lately! Enjoy!

Making | the most of every moment.Cooking | recipes from my new gluten, wheat & dairy free cookbook this weekend.Drinking | Trader Joe's Cold Brew with vanilla soy milk (a new summer discovery I'm now hooked on)Reading | Walden by Henry David Thoreau-- I'm on a mission to read more classic literature!Wanting | cheesecake. I don't know why, but this vegan has been seriously craving a huge, rich piece of cheesecake. Anyone have a recipe that doesn't involve cheese...?Looking | through new glasses this week and loving them.Playing | a lot more Scattergories now that I've been introduced to how fun it is!Deciding | big, big things.Wishing | this beautiful, cool autumn-like weather could just stick around forever!Enjoying | fresh Trader Joe's alstroemerias in a mason jar on my dining room table (I'm the biggest believer in always buying yourself fresh flowers)Waiting | on the guidance of the SpiritLiking | the way my hair decided to be perfectly curly today, even with the rain, which is a miracle.Wondering | what stories I'll hear and be changed by this upcoming week.Loving | the "Afternoon Acoustic" playlist on SpotifyPondering | "Those who trust in the LORD will be joyful" and how to actively live that out hour by hourConsidering | how He provides for even the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and will therefore provide for me as I seek His kingdom and righteousness. (Matthew 6:25-34)Watching | a lot less TV thanks to my decision to cancel Netflix, and I'm so glad I did.Hoping | for a rainy, lazy weekend full of reading and writing and cozying up with big mugs of chai tea.Marveling | at the BEAUTY that is Bella Grace. Run, don't walk, to your nearest Barnes & Noble and pick this baby up right now. It is a total gem and I'm in love.Needing | the weekend. Can I get an amen?!Smelling | like this body lotion that makes me feel like walking summertimeWearing | a long chunky pearl necklace I found at my favorite Harrisonburg thrift store a few years ago.Following | today's letters // hannah brencher // elle & co.Noticing | the little blessings throughout my days.Knowing | God is in control, perfect, sovereign, gracious and good.Thinking | about the things that need to come together for some very exciting upcoming events in the life of Rethink! READ MORE HERE! YAY!Admiring | this. all of this. can I have the budget to have these clothes?!Sorting | through all of the books I brought home from work (do I really need to keep every design-related textbook from JMU? I'm such a packrat...)Buying | too many books from Barnes & Noble..this is what happens when I have free time to kill. Getting | SO excited for my LA/Ventura trip for Yellow Conference and to see an old friend and some family at the end of August!Bookmarking | Our Yellow Door (where I got this great list after some blog stalking!)Disliking | that I need to spend time working on a better budget this weekend. Numbers are not my favorite.Opening | two beautifully handmade cards from two sweet friends over and over because their words were perfect and much needed.Giggling | every night on the phone with a pretty cool guy.Feeling | ready to step forward in total trusting faith.

Thanks to Rachel of Our Yellow Door for this list-- I loved it and I'm sure you'll be seeing more of it around here in the coming weeks! Check out her blog-- it's a good one! Happy Friday, friends!